Tips on Training Puppies

By A. Farley

Instructions

Puppy Training Basics

Step 1:
Successful training of a puppy starts with understanding the basics. First and foremost, you must remain consistent. If you set a rule or command, stick to it every time; if you don't want the puppy on the sofa, don't ever allow the puppy to get on the sofa. Consistency reinforces the training and will set your puppy up for success.

Dogtrainingclassroom.com recommends only teaching your puppy one trick or command at a time; trying to teach several commands at once can confuse the animal. Use short, 10-minute sessions, and keep it positive to teach your puppy that training is a good experience.

Use rewards and proper consequences for behavior. Use positive praise, treats and toys when your puppy displays a desirable behavior or responds appropriately to a command you have given. Never yell or hit your puppy; yelling and physical abuse will only teach the puppy to fear you and may exacerbate aggressive behavior. Use a firm voice to correct bad behavior only when you witness the act taking place.

It's also important to socialize your puppy right away. According to dogtrainingclassroom.com, puppies are open to new experiences and can benefit from socialization during the first four months of their lives. So, take your puppy with you when you visit family, friends and public areas where other dogs may be present.

Food and Water

Step 1:
Set a schedule for when you allow your puppy to eat and have access to water. If you allow your puppy to eat and drink freely throughout the entire day, you are going to create a bigger problem with house-training. If you know when your puppy consumes water and food, you can predict when he will need a potty break.

Hand-feed your puppy as much as possible to improve his comfort with human contact. Hand-feeding your puppy also will teach him that you are in charge because you control the food.

House-training

Step 1:
Decide right away where your puppy will eliminate; you can choose between outside or inside on papers. Take your puppy to the same spot, through the same door, each time you take him to the bathroom. Indoor training will allow you the freedom to keep your puppy indoors without worrying about an accident in an inappropriate area, while outdoor training teaches your puppy to never eliminate in the house.

Direct your puppy to the designated area first thing in the morning, after meals, after water consumption and before bedtime. According to dogtrainingclassroom.com, puppies will need to use the bathroom about every 45 minutes after eating, drinking or playing.

Look for indications that your puppy may need to eliminate such as sniffing and circling. Remember to praise your puppy for proper bathroom habits. Say "no" in a firm voice if you witness an accident happening, and immediately redirect your puppy to the proper area for elimination.

Thoroughly clean any areas in the house where the puppy eliminates. If your puppy can smell his previous fecal matter or urine, he will likely use the same spot on your carpet again.

Crate Training

Step 1:
Crate training can help assist your house-training efforts while providing a comfortable, personal space for your puppy. The crate you use should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in without too much extra space; extra space may seem like a luxury, but it will allow your puppy to eliminate in the crate.

Use the crate when you are home to confine your puppy for short periods of time. Confinement teaches the puppy to hold his bowels until you take him to the proper area for elimination. Start with small increments of time, such as 30 to 60 minutes. As your puppy ages you can gradually increase this time limit. Take the puppy to the bathroom area immediately after letting him out of the crate.

Resources

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